Letters to the Editor (Election) for Feb. 2, 2014

Published 7:01 am, Monday, February 3, 2014

Election Letters

-- Candidate endorsement letters for local, state or federal contests are no longer than 200 words.

County Judge

Bradford is ‘proven leader’

with many accomplishments

I will vote to re-elect Mike Bradford, Midland County judge, in the March 4 primary election. In making a decision about this candidate or any candidate, I look at previous experience and current performance.

Mike Bradford has a successful lifetime career history in Midland’s financial community and in the oil and gas business before becoming our county judge. His education and experience led to appointments by Govs. Bush and Perry to state boards, specifically the Texas Finance Commission, Board of Regents of the University of North Texas System and past chairman and member of the Conference of Urban Counties Policy.

While in office, Mike has cut the county tax rate by more than 40 percent, made our streets safer by funding more patrolmen and law officers for the Sheriff’s Office and reinvested county revenue for the benefit of Midland taxpayers. Our beautiful new library is largely the result of Mike’s dedicated efforts.

Mike Bradford is a proven leader and has built a long list of accomplishments during his tenure as our county judge. I look forward to enjoying Mike’s next accomplishments as he continues as our Midland County judge.

Trish Burdett

Bradford’s leadership

‘excellent’ for county

Mike Bradford is, hands down, my pick for Midland County judge. Having worked closely with him for several years, I have been able to observe him in action in both political and social settings. The one characteristic that stands out to me is his adherence to highly ethical behavior in all things. He is a stickler for following the rules and laws in his professional capacities, just as much as he is a stickler for following the good rules of social behavior and etiquette in his private dealings with others. I have never once heard him make a disparaging remark about anyone.

Judge Bradford has a calm, sure leadership quality that rises above the political norm of trying to be everything to everyone. His vision for Midland County and the subsequent actions of Commissioners’ Court have resulted in a county that is not only on sound financial footing but also has amenities and infrastructure that are the envy of many others. His leadership is proven, tested and has shown to be excellent for Midland County.

All I know of Mike’s opponent is that I used to write her many large checks. In collecting my money, she did a great job.

Hugh A. Shaffer

Experience, education make

Bradford stronger candidate

As a native Midlander, I wholeheartedly endorse Mike Bradford for Midland County judge. My first recollection of his involvement in our community was in 1980 when he was the president of the Leadership Midland alumni. Over the years Mike has served on countless boards and taken on many more leadership roles in giving back to Midland.

During his time in office as county judge, he has reduced property taxes more than 40 percent while also reducing debt for Midland County. Mike has created a financially strong future for our county, and I feel he will continue to do so if re-elected. One of the most recent accomplishments during his term is the new branch county library, enjoyed by so many of all ages, which is also paid for and debt-free.

From an educational standpoint, Mike’s MBA degree earned from TCU makes him the stronger candidate, not to mention his experience as a judge. Mike is not a lifetime bureaucrat. He came from the private sector, so he has a strong sense of conscience about protecting the bottom line. For all of these reasons, I encourage you to re-elect Mike Bradford as our county judge.

Lynn James

District 318 judge

Principles of Jaycee Creed guide Blair

The first person to call and welcome me to Midland, in 1983, was Judge Matthew Blair. That was the beginning of a 30-year friendship in which I have had the honor to know Matthew Blair.

Matthew is a man of integrity, passion and commitment. In his professional life, as associate judge presiding over family law matters, Matthew is committed to being objective, fair and firm in his rulings. Personally, I have found Matthew Blair to be an intelligent individual with a servant’s heart for his community; a man fiercely committed to his faith, family and friends.

While serving with Matthew on the Midland Jaycee board, our guiding principles were embodied by the Jaycee Creed: We believe that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life; that the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations; that economic justice can best be won by free enterprise; that government should be of laws rather than of men; that earth’s great treasure lies in the human personality; and that service to humanity is the best work of life.

These principles continue to guide Matthew today. Please join me in electing the most qualified candidate for 318th District judge, Matthew Blair.